Who are You?

As of five minutes ago, I'd never heard of Bettye Lavette. Or, if I had, I'd forgotten. After watching her version of "Love Reign o'er Me," however, I doubt I'll ever let her name-- or her pipes-- slip so easily from my memory. Lavette performed Pete Townshend's amazing song last month at the Kennedy Center Honors in recognition of the Who, the first rock band to receive the prestigious cultural award. (Take that, Mr. McCartney!)

Lavette's interpretation of Townshend's best seems wholly appropriate for this morning's historic festivities. Enjoy. 

For those keeping score at home, you can listen to the Who's original version here and, for my money, the best straight-up cover of the song, plus a killer bonus cover of "The Real Me," here. Enjoy, again and again. 

UPDATE: The bastards at VH1 removed the bonus links to Pearl Jam's version of "Love Reign o'er Me" and "The Real Me." You'll have to find these covers yourself. 

(Thanks to the lovely GHS for bringing Ms. Lavette to my attention.)